Welsh health minister Edwina Hart spoke out after the number of confirmed measles cases in Wales increased to 253, with 32 people being hospitalised, following an outbreak that began in April (News, 27 May).
Ms Hart cited other countries such as the United States, Spain and Greece where vaccinations are linked to school admissions and added, 'I think we should explore further the options for making completed vaccinations or checking and recording vaccination status an entry requirement for nurseries and schools.
'I would need to be assured, however, that such a policy would not risk undermining the existing high levels of public trust in immunisation, with the outcome that current coverage levels could actually decline.'
Ms Hart's remarks were echoed by public health expert Sir Sandy Macara, former chairman of the British Medical Association, who told the BBC last Tuesday (2 June) that children should not be able to go to school unless they have been given the MMR jab.
Sir Sandy has submitted a motion for debate at the annual BMA conference later this month.
Sir Sandy said, 'Our attempts to persuade people have failed. The suggestion is that we ought to consider making a link which in effect would make it compulsory for children to be immunised if they are to receive the benefit of a free education from the state.'
However, Purnima Tanuku, chief executive of the National Day Nurseries Association, said, 'While the NDNA supports vaccination and the World Health Organisation's view that the MMR jab is a "highly effective vaccine", a move requiring nurseries to exclude children if they have not had the vaccine would require careful consideration of the legal and equal opportunity implications. While we recognise that it is important to prevent the spread of such infectious diseases, we would be concerned at denying a child the opportunity to experience high-quality care and early learning because they have not had a vaccination. Instead, it is vital that parents are encouraged to understand the benefits of having the jab, and the risks associated if they don't.'
Cheryll Adams, lead professional officer for the Unite/CPHVA union, which represents health visitors, said, 'We believe that the NHS is about choice and we think that Sir Sandy's motion would be incompatible with that principle. Educating parents, not coercion, is the way forward.'